ISL 2017: Predicted XI for Delhi Dynamos

Two semi-final knock outs in three seasons, it’s high time the Delhi Dynamos catapult themselves to the next level. Since the inception of the Indian Super League (ISL), the capital outfit has only improved. From a disappointing fifth-place finish in the opening season, Delhi managed to enter the top four in 2015. Last year, they finished in third place. With every passing year, the Dynamos are moving closer to that elusive final.

They’ve made considerable improvements to their squad and are in with a real chance of winning some silverware this season. Let’s take a look at how Delhi could possibly line up.

---

Formation: 4-5-1

Albino Gomes

Goalkeeper and Defenders

Goalkeeper: Albino Gomes

Fresh from a successful season at Aizawl where he was a regular starter in Albino Gomes, Delhi Dynamos have one of the best goalkeepers in the league. Agile and dependable, Gomes is renowned for commanding his back line with military precision. The 23-year-old could prove to be Delhi’s MVP this year.

RB: Pritam Kotal

Once again, the Dynamos pulled off a coup by signing India’s premier right back, Pritatm Kotal. Having made his senior debut for the national team in 2015, Kotal has come a long way and has now established himself as an indispensable player, irrespective of the club he plays for. He will no doubt start for Delhi.

CB: Rowilson Rodrigues

This will be Rowilson Rodrigues’s third club in the ISL. The former Goa and Mumbai centre-back will be tasked with keeping things intact at the back. Now 30, Rodrigues is slowly but steadily settling into the kind of football that he likes to play.

CB: Gabriel Cichero

Hailing from the same Argentine club that Messi played in, Gabriel Cichero will form the spine of Delhi’s defence. The former Newell’s Old Boys centre-back has been playing regular football in 2017, hence will be in prime condition to seamlessly slot in.

LB: Sena Ralte

Former Mumbai City defender, Sena Ralte will ply his trade in the capital city this year. A crucial player for his former club, Ralte will continue to play a vital role in Delhi as well. The 29-year-old is attack minded but more importantly, never forgets his defensive duties.

Midfielders

Romeo Fernandes

CAM: Matías Mirabaje

Not much is known about the Uruguayan. This will be Mirabaje’s first stint with an Indian club. He spent most of the year in Peru where he plied his trade for Unión Comercio. A regular starter there, Matias will no doubt be Delhi’s primary creative outlet.

CDM: Paulinho Dias

A Cruzeiro Esporte Clube graduate, Paulinho Dias will add some much-needed cushion to Delhi’s back four. He hasn’t played too much football this year but he’s always been a regular starter wherever he has played at.

LM: Seityasen Singh

Not to make light of the situation but Seityasen Singh endured a torrid season with DSK Shivajians. Add to that he hasn’t yet been paid his salary. The winger will be keen to put his recent experiences on the back burner and will be raring to go for Delhi.

CM: Simranjit Singh

Over the last few months, one particular Indian club was all over the news and for good reasons too. Simranjit Singh was part of the famed Minerva Punjab team for the past two years. A step up from the I-League, it will be interesting to see how the midfielder adapts himself.

RM: Romeo Fernandes

Romeo Fernandes has everything a winger needs. Pace, trickery and most importantly, he knows when to release the ball on time. In 2016, he lit up the ISL with some promising performances for FC Goa and will be keen to continue his good run.

Forward

Kalu Uche

ST: Kalu Uche

At 5ft 10 inches, Kalu Uche doesn’t make for a towering presence upfront. But the Nigerian has power and possess impeccable balance on and off the ball. He will be Delhi’s target man and will have to lead his troops by example.